Horse ride to raise money for hospice, campgrounds

Time for a drink: The Allegan County Pleasure Riders trail ride on Saturday to benefit Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan has become an annual event. This photo is from the 2009 ride, which also raised money for the hospice.

By Fran Wilcox

Special to Hometown Gazette

ALLEGAN -- On April 16, horse riders will take to the trails in Allegan to raise money for Wings of Hope Hospice and Silver Creek Horseman's Campground.

The funds raised also will send one child to horse camp at Camp Kidwell and one to Camp Beechpoint.

This is the 37th annual ride put on by the Allegan County Pleasure Riders, organizer Pam Brown said. Each year, the ride benefits Wings of Hope Hospice in Allegan County and another charity.

The donation to participate in the ride is $20 per individual or $30 per family.

"We keep it affordable for a family to do, " Brown said. "People who have been touched by hospice or have an interest in the camp can get people to sponsor them to raise additional funds."

Every participant will be entered in a raffle. Those who raise at least $100 will be entered into a grand prize drawing and earn another grand prize ticket for each additional $50 raised.

Prizes include a Western saddle, a one-day Parelli Natural Horsemanship Clinic and a campfire grill.

The ride starts at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 16, beginning and ending at the campground. Riders may complete the three-hour loop, or take a turn off for a shorter ride.

Lunch, donated by Allegan Village Market, will be served from noon to 2:30 p.m.

Last year, 252 riders raised $13,773, Brown said. During the 37 years of the ride, Allegan County Pleasure Riders have raised $149,939.

Brown said the ride is the Allegan County Pleasure Riders' biggest event of the year.